PHILEMON 18-25 - PREPARE A PLACE FOR PAUL AS YOU PRAY FOR HIS PARDON

PHILEMON 18-25

PREPARE A PLACE FOR PAUL

AS YOU PRAY FOR HIS PARDON

Philemon 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Just as Jesus paid the debt of our sin on the cross as the final perfect Lamb, Paul offered to pay the debt that Onesimus owed Philemon. Paul wrote that part of the letter in his own handwriting as proof that he was truly the one making this offer. Paul facetiously said he would not mention that Philemon owed him his very life, as in his eternal life since Paul led him to the Lord.  

Philemon 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Philemon 20 (CJB) Yes, brother, please do me this favor in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Messiah.

If Philemon responded favorably to Paul’s advice to receive Onesimus, how would this refresh Paul? Philemon was Paul’s son in the faith. It would nourish Paul spiritually to know that Philemon was listening to and heeding his counsel. It would be an affirmation of the investment of Paul’s time that Philemon did not hesitate to do as Paul had asked. It is encouraging to watch younger believers you have discipled live in a way that honors the Lord.

Philemon 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Paul was confident that Philemon would go above and beyond his instructions. He felt sure that Philemon would welcome Onesimus with open arms. Paul may have been reflecting back on the time when the other apostles and leaders of the church in Jerusalem were doubtful of his own conversion and was hopeful that Philemon would not treat Onesimus in that manner.

Philemon 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Paul believed he would soon be released and on his way and told Philemon to get a room ready for him. He gave credit to Philemon and the church that met in his home for praying for his release from prison.

Philemon 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;   24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Epaphras had traveled to Rome to bring Paul news about the church at Ephesus. He may have been imprisoned by the Romans as a “suspicious character” or may have just seemed like a fellow-prisoner because he spent so much time with Paul. He and others there encouraging Paul and delivering letters for him sent their greetings to Philemon, et. al. The others were 1) Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark and nephew to Barnabas, Paul’s fellow missionary, 2) Aristarchus, who had ministered with Paul in Ephesus, 3) Demus, who later would abandon Paul and become sucked in by the world’s enticements, 4) and Luke, Paul’s physician and faithful friend. It seemed that Paul had an entire staff with him while under house arrest! God was powerful in working out the logistics of getting His message out to the world.

Philemon 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Paul blessed them by praying for the grace (the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life) of Jesus to be with them. So be it! Paul’s desire was that their lives reflect the change that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, the Messiah, intimately.

Ponder this: Paul felt so strongly about the change the Lord had brought about in Onesimus that he was personally willing to pay his debt to Philemon. What gratitude must Onesimus have shown Paul. Jesus paid ALL of your debt by dying on the cross in your place. Have you shown Him gratitude lately?